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Krog MC, Nielsen JR, Slot A, Hviid KV, Kolte AM, Westergaard D, Bliddal S, Almstrup K, Nielsen HS. Prospective reproductive outcomes according to sperm parameters, including DNA fragmentation, in recurrent pregnancy loss. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 49:103773. [PMID: 38879918 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Are the prospective reproductive outcomes in couples experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) related to the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), as measured by sperm chromatin structure assay, sperm morphology and sperm concentration at referral? DESIGN This prospective cohort study included 95 couples seen between 1 April 2018 and 1 December 2019 at the tertiary Copenhagen RPL Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet and Hvidovre Hospital, Denmark. The couples had experienced three or more unexplained consecutive pregnancy losses or two late pregnancy losses (>12 weeks gestation). Follow-up was 12-31 months. RESULTS Eighty-one of 95 (85.3%) couples achieved pregnancy after referral. In the first pregnancy after referral, 46 (56.8%) couples achieved a live birth, and 35 (43.2%) couples experienced another pregnancy loss. There was no significant difference in baseline DFI between couples that experienced pregnancy loss [median 11.7, interquartile range (IQR) 9.1-17.3] and couples that achieved a live birth (median 12.5, IQR 9.3-16.5; P = 0.971). Improving sperm morphology increased the odds of a live birth after referral (adjusted OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.05-1.52; P = 0.014). DFI and sperm concentration were not associated with the outcome of the first pregnancy after referral. Overall, 35.9% of the men had DFI ≥15 at inclusion. Couples that failed to achieve pregnancy had a higher median DFI of 17.7 (IQR 7.7-27.2) compared with the rest of the cohort (median 12.0, IQR 9.3-16.5; P = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS At referral, sperm DFI, morphology and concentration cannot be used to identify RPL couples at risk of another pregnancy loss. Increased baseline DFI was associated with difficulty achieving another pregnancy, and improving sperm morphology was associated with increased odds of a live birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Christine Krog
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Rigshospitalet and Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen and Hvidovre, Denmark; Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Josefine Reinhardt Nielsen
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Rigshospitalet and Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen and Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Anna Slot
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Rigshospitalet and Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen and Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Kathrine Vauvert Hviid
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Rigshospitalet and Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen and Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Astrid Marie Kolte
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Rigshospitalet and Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen and Hvidovre, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David Westergaard
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Rigshospitalet and Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen and Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Sofie Bliddal
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Rigshospitalet and Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen and Hvidovre, Denmark; Department of Medical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Institute for Inflammation Research, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henriette Svarre Nielsen
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Rigshospitalet and Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen and Hvidovre, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
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2
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Ragosta ME, Traini G, Tamburrino L, Degl’Innocenti S, Fino MG, Dabizzi S, Vignozzi L, Baldi E, Marchiani S. Sperm Chromatin Dispersion Test Detects Sperm DNA Fragmentation Mainly Associated with Unviable Spermatozoa and Underestimates the Values with Respect to TUNEL Assay. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4481. [PMID: 38674066 PMCID: PMC11050179 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Several clinical laboratories assess sperm DNA fragmentation (sDF) in addition to semen analysis in male infertility diagnosis. Among tests evaluating sDF, TUNEL (Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling) and SCD (Sperm Chromatin Dispersion) are widely used. Our lab developed a modified version of TUNEL (TUNEL/PI) able to distinguish two sperm populations (PI Brighter and PI Dimmer) differently associated with sperm viability and reproductive outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare sDF levels detected by SCD and TUNEL/PI in the semen samples from 71 male subjects attending our Andrology Laboratory. Our results demonstrate that SCD is less sensitive in determining sDF compared to TUNEL/PI. The statistically significant positive correlation found between sDF evaluated by SCD and PI Dimmer (consisting of all dead spermatozoa) suggests that SCD mainly detects sDF in unviable spermatozoa. We confirmed that most spermatozoa detected by SCD are unviable by performing SCD after incubation in hypo-osmotic medium to discriminate viable and unviable cells in 52 samples. Such results might explain the lower ability of this test in discriminating couples having successful ART outcomes demonstrated in published metanalyses. Overall, our results indicate that SCD is less sensitive in evaluating sDF for diagnostic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Emanuela Ragosta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Giulia Traini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (G.T.); (L.V.); (S.M.)
| | - Lara Tamburrino
- Andrology, Women’s Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy; (L.T.); (S.D.); (M.G.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Selene Degl’Innocenti
- Andrology, Women’s Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy; (L.T.); (S.D.); (M.G.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Maria Grazia Fino
- Andrology, Women’s Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy; (L.T.); (S.D.); (M.G.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Sara Dabizzi
- Andrology, Women’s Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy; (L.T.); (S.D.); (M.G.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (G.T.); (L.V.); (S.M.)
- Andrology, Women’s Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy; (L.T.); (S.D.); (M.G.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Elisabetta Baldi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy;
- Andrology, Women’s Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy; (L.T.); (S.D.); (M.G.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Sara Marchiani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (G.T.); (L.V.); (S.M.)
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3
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Stark J, Kuster SP, Hungerbühler V. Impact of COVID-19 disease on the male factor in reproductive medicine - how-to advise couples undergoing IVF/ICSI. Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD23205. [PMID: 38185121 DOI: 10.1071/rd23205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread concern about its potential impact on various aspects of human health. AIMS This narrative review aims to summarise the current knowledge about the impact of COVID-19 on sperm quality and its effect on assisted reproductive technology. METHODS In this narrative review, a literature search using the PubMed and MEDLINE databases was conducted to identify relevant original research articles published up to 29 January 2023. RESULTS Thirty original studies were included in our review. There is evidence that SARS-CoV-2 is detectable in seminal fluid during the acute phase of infection and for up to 1month. However, the fact that SARS-CoV-2 is barely detectable in semen makes sexual transmission very unlikely. COVID-19 infection has been associated with the following changes in sperm quality: morphology, altered motility, changed DNA fragmentation-index (DFI), decreased sperm concentration, lower total number of sperm, and a significant increase in leukocytes and cytokines. The effects mostly seem to be reversible and have not been shown to negatively affect the outcome of assisted reproductive technology but should lead to further research concerning the health of the offspring, because a correlation of increased DFI after COVID-19 even 5months after disease could be assumed. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this narrative review suggest that SARS-CoV-2 may harm sperm quality in the acute phase. IMPLICATIONS A recovery time of at least 3months regarding assisted reproductive therapy could be reasonable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Stark
- Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Stefan P Kuster
- Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Rorschacher Str. 95, 9007 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Vera Hungerbühler
- Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Fiore Praxis AG, Brauerstrasse 95, 9016 St. Gallen, Switzerland
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4
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Agarwal A, Farkouh A, Saleh R, Hamoda TAAAM, Salvio G, Boitrelle F, Harraz AM, Ghayda RA, Kavoussi P, Gül M, Toprak T, Russo GI, Durairajanayagam D, Rambhatla A, Birowo P, Cannarella R, Phuoc NHV, Zini A, Arafa M, Wyns C, Tremellen K, Sarıkaya S, Lewis S, Evenson DP, Ko E, Calogero AE, Bahar F, Martínez M, Ambar RF, Colpi GM, Bakircioglu ME, Henkel R, Kandil H, Serefoglu EC, Alfakhri A, Tsujimura A, Kheradmand A, Marino A, Adamyan A, Zilaitiene B, Ozer C, Pescatori E, Vogiatzi P, Busetto GM, Balercia G, Elbardisi H, Akhavizadegan H, Sajadi H, Taniguchi H, Park HJ, Maldonado Rosas I, Al-Marhoon M, Sadighi Gilani MA, Alhathal N, Quang N, Pinggera GM, Kothari P, Micic S, Homa S, Long TQT, Zohdy W, Atmoko W, Ibrahim W, Sabbaghian M, Abumelha SM, Chung E, Ugur MR, Ozkent MS, Selim O, Darbandi M, Fukuhara S, Jamali M, de la Rosette J, Kuroda S, Smith RP, Baser A, Kalkanli A, Tadros NN, Aydos K, Mierzwa TC, Khalafalla K, Malhotra V, Moussa M, Finocchi F, Rachman RI, Giulioni C, Avidor-Reiss T, Kahraman O, Çeker G, Zenoaga-Barbăroșie C, Barrett TL, Yilmaz M, Kadioglu A, Jindal S, Omran H, Bocu K, Karthikeyan VS, Franco G, Solorzano JF, Vishwakarma RB, Arianto E, Garrido N, Jain D, Gherabi N, Sokolakis I, Palani A, Calik G, Kulaksiz D, Simanaviciene V, Simopoulou M, Güngör ND, Blecher G, Falcone M, Jezek D, Preto M, Amar E, Le TV, Ahn ST, Rezano A, Singh K, Rocco L, Savira M, Rajmil O, Darbandi S, Sogutdelen E, Boeri L, Hernández G, Hakim L, Morimoto Y, Japari A, Sofikitis N, Altay B, Metin Mahmutoglu A, Al Hashimi M, Ziouziou I, Anagnostopoulou C, Lin H, Shah R. Technical Aspects and Clinical Limitations of Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing in Male Infertility: A Global Survey, Current Guidelines, and Expert Recommendations. World J Mens Health 2024; 42:202-215. [PMID: 37635341 PMCID: PMC10782128 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.230076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is a functional sperm abnormality that can impact reproductive potential, for which four assays have been described in the recently published sixth edition of the WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. The purpose of this study was to examine the global practices related to the use of SDF assays and investigate the barriers and limitations that clinicians face in incorporating these tests into their practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Clinicians managing male infertility were invited to complete an online survey on practices related to SDF diagnostic and treatment approaches. Their responses related to the technical aspects of SDF testing, current professional society guidelines, and the literature were used to generate expert recommendations via the Delphi method. Finally, challenges related to SDF that the clinicians encounter in their daily practice were captured. RESULTS The survey was completed by 436 reproductive clinicians. Overall, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) is the most commonly used assay chosen by 28.6%, followed by the sperm chromatin structure assay (24.1%), and the sperm chromatin dispersion (19.1%). The choice of the assay was largely influenced by availability (70% of respondents). A threshold of 30% was the most selected cut-off value for elevated SDF by 33.7% of clinicians. Of respondents, 53.6% recommend SDF testing after 3 to 5 days of abstinence. Although 75.3% believe SDF testing can provide an explanation for many unknown causes of infertility, the main limiting factors selected by respondents are a lack of professional society guideline recommendations (62.7%) and an absence of globally accepted references for SDF interpretation (50.3%). CONCLUSIONS This study represents the largest global survey on the technical aspects of SDF testing as well as the barriers encountered by clinicians. Unified global recommendations regarding clinician implementation and standard laboratory interpretation of SDF testing are crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | | | - Ramadan Saleh
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Taha Abo-Almagd Abdel-Meguid Hamoda
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Gianmaria Salvio
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Endocrinology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France
- Department of Biology, Reproduction, Epigenetics, Environment, and Development, Paris Saclay University, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Ahmed M Harraz
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura, Egypt
- Department of Surgery, Urology Unit, Farwaniya Hospital, Farwaniya, Kuwait
- Department of Urology, Sabah Al Ahmad Urology Center, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Ramy Abou Ghayda
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Parviz Kavoussi
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Reproductive Urology, Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Murat Gül
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Selçuk University School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Tuncay Toprak
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Giorgio Ivan Russo
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Urology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Damayanthi Durairajanayagam
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Amarnath Rambhatla
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Henry Ford Health System, Vattikuti Urology Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ponco Birowo
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Rossella Cannarella
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Nguyen Ho Vinh Phuoc
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Andrology, Binh Dan Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Armand Zini
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mohamed Arafa
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Andrology and STDs, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Christine Wyns
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Gynaecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Universitat Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kelton Tremellen
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Obstetrics Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - Selçuk Sarıkaya
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Galhane Research and Training Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sheena Lewis
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Examen Lab Ltd., Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Donald P Evenson
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- SCSA Diagnostics, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Edmund Ko
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Surgery, Urology Unit, Farwaniya Hospital, Farwaniya, Kuwait
| | - Fahmi Bahar
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Andrology Section, Siloam Sriwijaya Hospital, Palembang, Indonesia
| | - Marlon Martínez
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Rafael F Ambar
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Centro Universitario em Saude do ABC, Santo Andre, Brazil
- Andrology Group at Ideia Fertil Institute of Human Reproduction, Santo Andre, Brazil
| | - Giovanni M Colpi
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Andrology and IVF Center, Next Fertility Procrea, Lugano, Switzerland
| | | | - Ralf Henkel
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Hussein Kandil
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Fakih IVF Fertility Center, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Ege Can Serefoglu
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Biruni University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Alfakhri
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Akira Tsujimura
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Alireza Kheradmand
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Golestan Hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Angelo Marino
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, ANDROS Day Surgery Clinic, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Palermo, Italy
| | - Aram Adamyan
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- IVF Department, Astghik Medical Center, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Birute Zilaitiene
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Institute of Endocrinology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Cevahir Ozer
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Edoardo Pescatori
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Andrology and Reproductive Medicine Unit, Gynepro Medical, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paraskevi Vogiatzi
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Andromed Health & Reproduction, Fertility & Reproductive Health Diagnostic Center, Athens, Greece
| | - Gian Maria Busetto
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation, University of Foggia, Policlinico Riuniti, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Balercia
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Endocrinology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Haitham Elbardisi
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hamed Akhavizadegan
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hesamoddin Sajadi
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hisanori Taniguchi
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hyun Jun Park
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
- Medical Research Institute of Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Israel Maldonado Rosas
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- IVF Laboratory, CITMER Reproductive Medicine, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mohamed Al-Marhoon
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Mohammad Ali Sadighi Gilani
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Naif Alhathal
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nguyen Quang
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Center for Andrology and Sexual Medicine, Viet Duc University Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Department of Urology, Andrology and Sexual Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Germar-Michael Pinggera
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Priyank Kothari
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Topiwala National Medical College, B.Y.L Nair Ch Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Sava Micic
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Andrology, Uromedica Polyclinic, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sheryl Homa
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Tran Quang Tien Long
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hanoi Obstetric and Gynecology Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Wael Zohdy
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Andrology and STDs, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Widi Atmoko
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Wael Ibrahim
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Marjan Sabbaghian
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saad Mohammed Abumelha
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eric Chung
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane QLD, Australia
| | - Muhammet Rasit Ugur
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- IVF Michigan, Bloomfield Hills, MI, USA
| | - Mehmet Serkan Ozkent
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Konya City Hospital, Konya, Turkey
| | - Osama Selim
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Andrology and STDs, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahsa Darbandi
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
- Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shinichiro Fukuhara
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mounir Jamali
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Mohammed V Military Hospital, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Jean de la Rosette
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Shinnosuke Kuroda
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ryan P Smith
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Aykut Baser
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Bandirma Onyedi Eylül University, Balikesir, Turkey
| | - Arif Kalkanli
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Taksim Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nicholas N Tadros
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Division of Urology, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Kaan Aydos
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tiago Cesar Mierzwa
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Androlab, Fertility Clinic, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Kareim Khalafalla
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Urology, University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Urology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vineet Malhotra
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, SCM Clinic and Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Mohamad Moussa
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Urology, Al Zahraa Hospital, UMC, Lebanon
| | - Federica Finocchi
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Endocrinology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Rinaldo Indra Rachman
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Carlo Giulioni
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Endocrinology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Tomer Avidor-Reiss
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Oguzhan Kahraman
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Andrology and Reproductive Medicine Unit, Gynepro Medical, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gökhan Çeker
- Department of Urology, Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cătălina Zenoaga-Barbăroșie
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Trenton L Barrett
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Perth Urology Clinic, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Mehmet Yilmaz
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Asklepios Klinik Triberg, Urology, Triberg, Germany
| | - Ates Kadioglu
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Section of Andrology, Department of Urology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sunil Jindal
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Jindal Hospital, Meerut, India
| | - Huda Omran
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Molecular Genetics Department, Pulse Health Training Center, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Kadir Bocu
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Silopi State Hospital, Sirnak, Turkey
| | | | - Giorgio Franco
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Jesús Fernando Solorzano
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- IVF Laboratory, CITMER Reproductive Medicine, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ranjit B Vishwakarma
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Eko Arianto
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Surgery, Prof. Dr. R.D. Kandou Central General Hospital, Manado, Indonesia
| | - Nicolas Garrido
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Divyanu Jain
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jaipur Golden Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Nazim Gherabi
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Algiers 1, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Ioannis Sokolakis
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- 2nd Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ayad Palani
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Research Centre, University of Garmian, Kalar, Iraq
| | - Gokhan Calik
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Deniz Kulaksiz
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences Kanuni Training and Research Hospital, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Vaida Simanaviciene
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Fertility Centre, Northway Medical Centre, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Mara Simopoulou
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nur Dokuzeylül Güngör
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and IVF Unit, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gideon Blecher
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marco Falcone
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Molinette Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Davor Jezek
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Reproductive Tissue Bank, Department for Transfusion Medicine and Transplantation Biology, University Hospital Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mirko Preto
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Molinette Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Edouard Amar
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- American Hospital of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Tan V Le
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Andrology, Binh Dan Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Sun Tae Ahn
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Andri Rezano
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Keerti Singh
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Preclinical and Health Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, St Michael, Barbados, Italy
| | - Lucia Rocco
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Missy Savira
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Osvaldo Rajmil
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Andrology, Fundacio Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Darbandi
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
- Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Emrullah Sogutdelen
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Luca Boeri
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, IRCCS Fondazione Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Guadalupe Hernández
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- IVF Department, CITMER Reproductive Medicine, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Lukman Hakim
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga Teaching Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Yoshiharu Morimoto
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, HORAC Grand Front Osaka Clinic, Osaka, Japan
| | - Andrian Japari
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Fertility Clinic, Telogorejo Hospital, Central Java, Indonesia
| | - Nikolaos Sofikitis
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Ioannina University School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Baris Altay
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Asli Metin Mahmutoglu
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Departmant of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medical, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Manaf Al Hashimi
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Imad Ziouziou
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, University Hospital of Souss Massa, Massa, Morocco
| | - Christina Anagnostopoulou
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Unit of Reproductive Medicine, EmbryoART, Leto Maternity Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Haocheng Lin
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rupin Shah
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
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5
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Abstract
In this guideline, recurrent miscarriage has been defined as three or more first trimester miscarriages. However, clinicians are encouraged to use their clinical discretion to recommend extensive evaluation after two first trimester miscarriages, if there is a suspicion that the miscarriages are of pathological and not of sporadic nature. Women with recurrent miscarriage should be offered testing for acquired thrombophilia, particularly for lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies, prior to pregnancy. [Grade C] Women with second trimester miscarriage may be offered testing for Factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene mutation and protein S deficiency, ideally within a research context. [Grade C] Inherited thrombophilias have a weak association with recurrent miscarriage. Routine testing for protein C, antithrombin deficiency and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase mutation is not recommended. [Grade C] Cytogenetic analysis should be offered on pregnancy tissue of the third and subsequent miscarriage(s) and in any second trimester miscarriage. [Grade D] Parental peripheral blood karyotyping should be offered for couples in whom testing of pregnancy tissue reports an unbalanced structural chromosomal abnormality [Grade D] or there is unsuccessful or no pregnancy tissue available for testing. [GPP] Women with recurrent miscarriage should be offered assessment for congenital uterine anomalies, ideally with 3D ultrasound. [Grade B] Women with recurrent miscarriage should be offered thyroid function tests and assessment for thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies. [Grade C] Women with recurrent miscarriage should not be routinely offered immunological screening (such as HLA, cytokine and natural killer cell tests), infection screening or sperm DNA testing outside a research context. [Grade C] Women with recurrent miscarriage should be advised to maintain a BMI between 19 and 25 kg/m2 , smoking cessation, limit alcohol consumption and limit caffeine to less than 200 mg/day. [Grade D] For women diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome, aspirin and heparin should be offered from a positive test until at least 34 weeks of gestation, following discussion of potential benefits versus risks. [Grade B] Aspirin and/or heparin should not be given to women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage. [Grade B] There are currently insufficient data to support the routine use of PGT-A for couples with unexplained recurrent miscarriage, while the treatment may carry a significant cost and potential risk. [Grade C] Resection of a uterine septum should be considered for women with recurrent first or second trimester miscarriage, ideally within an appropriate audit or research context. [Grade C] Thyroxine supplementation is not routinely recommended for euthyroid women with TPO who have a history of miscarriage. [Grade A] Progestogen supplementation should be considered in women with recurrent miscarriage who present with bleeding in early pregnancy (for example 400 mg micronised vaginal progesterone twice daily at the time of bleeding until 16 weeks of gestation). [Grade B] Women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage should be offered supportive care, ideally in the setting of a dedicated recurrent miscarriage clinic. [Grade C].
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6
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Nielsen JLM, Majzoub A, Esteves S, Humaidan P. Unraveling the Impact of Sperm DNA Fragmentation on Reproductive Outcomes. Semin Reprod Med 2023; 41:241-257. [PMID: 38092034 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in identifying subcellular causes of male infertility, and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) research has been at the forefront of this focus. DNA damage can occur during spermatogenesis due to faulty chromatin compaction or excessive abortive apoptosis. It can also happen as sperm transit through the genital tract, often induced by oxidative stress. There are several methods for SDF testing, with the sperm chromatin structure assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase d-UTI nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, comet assay, and sperm chromatin dispersion test being the most commonly used. Numerous studies strongly support the negative impact of SDF on male fertility potential. DNA damage has been linked to various morphological and functional sperm abnormalities, ultimately affecting natural conception and assisted reproductive technology outcomes. This evidence-based review aims to explore how SDF influences male reproduction and provide insights into available therapeutic options to minimize its detrimental impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanett L M Nielsen
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Viborg Regional Hospital, Viborg, Denmark
| | - Ahmad Majzoub
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Clinical Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sandro Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, Brazil
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Humaidan
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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7
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Inversetti A, Bossi A, Cristodoro M, Larcher A, Busnelli A, Grande G, Salonia A, Di Simone N. Recurrent pregnancy loss: a male crucial factor-A systematic review and meta-analysis. Andrology 2023. [PMID: 37881014 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), defined as two or more failed clinical pregnancies, affects 1%-3% of couples trying to conceive. Nowadays up to 50% of cases remain idiopathic. In this context, paternal factors evaluation is still very limited. The aim is to address the topic of the male factor in RPL with a broad approach, analyzing collectively data on sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and semen parameters. We systematically searched in Pubmed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar from inception to February 2023. A protocol has been registered on PROSPERO (ID number CRD42022278616). PRISMA guidelines were followed. METHODS Pooled results from 20 studies revealed a higher DNA fragmentation rate in the RPL group compared to controls (mean difference [MD] 9.21, 95% CI 5.58-12.85, p < 0.00001, I2 98%). Age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, and alcohol intake were not associated with DNA fragmentation. Subgroup analysis by different SDF assays (TUNEL and COMET at a neutral pH vs. indirect assessment with other assays) and ethnicity did not highlight different results (p = 0.25 and 0.44). RESULTS Results pooled from 25 studies showed a significant difference comparing RPL and control groups regarding ejaculation volume (MD -0.24, 95% CI -0.43; -0.06, p 0.01, I2 66%), total sperm number (MD -10.03, 95% CI -14.65; -5.41, p < 0.0001, I2 76%), total sperm motility (MD -11.20, 95% CI -16.15; -6.25, p < 0.0001, I2 96%), progressive sperm motility (MD -7.34, 95% CI -10.87; -3.80, p < 0.0001, I2 97%), and normal sperm morphology (MD -5.99, 95% CI -9.08; -2.90, p 0.0001, I2 98%). A sub-analysis revealed that Asian and Africans, but not white-European RPL men had lower progressive sperm motility compared to controls. CONCLUSION In conclusion, current review and meta-analysis findings suggested that SDF and some specific semen parameters were associated with RPL in a multi-ethnic evaluation. This effort opens future direction on a growing awareness of, first, how the male factor plays a key role and, second, how appropriate would be to establish a direct dialogue between the gynecologist and the urologist. PATIENT SUMMARY We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the male component of RPL. We found that sperm DNA fragmentation and some specific sperm parameters are significantly associated with RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Inversetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Arianna Bossi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Larcher
- Department of Urology and Division of Experimental Oncology, URI Urological Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Busnelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Grande
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Salonia
- Department of Urology and Division of Experimental Oncology, URI Urological Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Di Simone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
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8
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Conflitti AC, Cicolani G, Buonacquisto A, Pallotti F, Faja F, Bianchini S, Blaconà G, Bruno SM, Linari A, Lucarelli M, Montanino D, Muzii L, Lenzi A, Lombardo F, Paoli D. Sperm DNA Fragmentation and Sperm-Borne miRNAs: Molecular Biomarkers of Embryo Development? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021007. [PMID: 36674527 PMCID: PMC9864861 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The evaluation of morpho-functional sperm characteristics alone is not enough to explain infertility or to predict the outcome of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): more sensitive diagnostic tools are needed in clinical practice. The aim of the present study was to analyze Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF) and sperm-borne miR-34c-5p and miR-449b-5p levels in men of couples undergoing ART, in order to investigate any correlations with fertilization rate, embryo quality and development. Male partners (n = 106) were recruited. Semen analysis, SDF evaluation and molecular profiling analysis of miR-34c-5p and miR-449b-5p (in 38 subjects) were performed. Sperm DNA Fragmentation evaluation- a positive correlation between SDF post sperm selection and the percentage of low-quality embryos and a negative correlation with viable embryo were found. SDF > 2.9% increased the risk of obtaining a non-viable embryo by almost 4-fold. Sperm miRNAs profile—we found an association with both miRNAs and sperm concentration, while miR-449b-5p is positively associated with SDF. Moreover, the two miRNAs are positively correlated. Higher levels of miR-34c-5p compared to miR-449b-5p increases by 14-fold the probability of obtaining viable embryos. This study shows that SDF, sperm miR-34c-5p, and miR-449b-5p have a promising role as biomarkers of semen quality and ART outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Chiara Conflitti
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gaia Cicolani
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Buonacquisto
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Pallotti
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Faja
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Bianchini
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Blaconà
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Sabina Maria Bruno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Linari
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Pasteur Institute, Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Diletta Montanino
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovico Muzii
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Lombardo
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Paoli
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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9
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Paoli D, Pallotti F, Anzuini A, Bianchini S, Caponecchia L, Carraro A, Ciardi MR, Faja F, Fiori C, Gianfrilli D, Lenzi A, Lichtner M, Marcucci I, Mastroianni CM, Nigro G, Pasculli P, Pozza C, Rizzo F, Salacone P, Sebastianelli A, Lombardo F. Male reproductive health after 3 months from SARS-CoV-2 infection: a multicentric study. J Endocrinol Invest 2023; 46:89-101. [PMID: 35943723 PMCID: PMC9362397 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01887-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE While SARS-CoV-2 infection appears not to be clinically evident in the testes, indirect inflammatory effects and fever may impair testicular function. To date, few long-term data of semen parameters impairment after recovery and comprehensive andrological evaluation of recovered patients has been published. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether SARS-CoV-2 infection affect male reproductive health. METHODS Eighty patients were recruited three months after COVID-19 recovery. They performed physical examination, testicular ultrasound, semen analysis, sperm DNA integrity evaluation (TUNEL), anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) testing, sex hormone profile evaluation (Total testosterone, LH, FSH). In addition, all patients were administered International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF-15). Sperm parameters were compared with two age-matched healthy pre-COVID-19 control groups of normozoospermic (CTR1) and primary infertile (CTR2) subjects. RESULTS Median values of semen parameters from recovered SARS-CoV-2 subjects were within WHO 2010 fifth percentile. Mean percentage of sperm DNA fragmentation (%SDF) was 14.1 ± 7.0%. Gelatin Agglutination Test (GAT) was positive in 3.9% of blood serum samples, but no positive semen plasma sample was found. Only five subjects (6.2%) had total testosterone levels below the laboratory reference range. Mean bilateral testicular volume was 31.5 ± 9.6 ml. Erectile dysfunction was detected in 30% of subjects. CONCLUSION Our data remark that COVID-19 does not seem to cause direct damage to the testicular function, while indirect damage appears to be transient. It is possible to counsel infertile couples to postpone the research of parenthood or ART procedures around three months after recovery from the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Paoli
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - F Pallotti
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - A Anzuini
- Hormone Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - S Bianchini
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - L Caponecchia
- Andrology and Pathophysiology of Reproduction Unit, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Latina, Italy
| | - A Carraro
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - M R Ciardi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - F Faja
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - C Fiori
- Andrology and Pathophysiology of Reproduction Unit, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Latina, Italy
| | - D Gianfrilli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A Lenzi
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - M Lichtner
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - I Marcucci
- Andrology and Pathophysiology of Reproduction Unit, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Latina, Italy
| | - C M Mastroianni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - G Nigro
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - P Pasculli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - C Pozza
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - F Rizzo
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - P Salacone
- Andrology and Pathophysiology of Reproduction Unit, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Latina, Italy
| | - A Sebastianelli
- Andrology and Pathophysiology of Reproduction Unit, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Latina, Italy
| | - F Lombardo
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
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Nam CS, Mehta A. Advanced sperm tests and impact on clinical male factor management. Curr Opin Urol 2023; 33:24-30. [PMID: 36444649 DOI: 10.1097/mou.0000000000001049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Although semen analysis remains a cornerstone of male fertility evaluation, conventional semen analysis parameters do not assess for DNA integrity or functional capacity of sperm. Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and sperm aneuploidy tests have been utilized as adjunct tools to distinguish fertile and infertile men and predict pregnancy outcomes. This review serves as an update on indications and utility of advanced sperm tests, as well as associated controversies and limitations. RECENT FINDINGS Elevated SDF is associated with prolonged time to pregnancy, lower chance of spontaneous pregnancy, and lower live birth rates. Sperm aneuploidy is more frequent in infertile men, in male partners of couples experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss, and recurrent failure of assisted reproductive technology (ART). These tests can, therefore, provide important information to guide management and counseling of infertile couples to optimize reproductive outcomes. SUMMARY We evaluated data surrounding SDF and sperm aneuploidy tests, which are utilized both within and beyond the scope of AUA/ASRM guidelines. While the tests at hand require further standardization and randomized controlled studies, the current data suggest strong associations with pregnancy outcomes and can be utilized to counsel and manage infertile males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine S Nam
- Department of Urology, Michigan Medicine University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Akanksha Mehta
- Department of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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BUDAK Ö, BOSTANCI MS, KÖSE O, AKDEMİR N, GÖKÇE A, CEVRİOĞLU S. Evaluation Of The Clinical Results Of Using Microfluidic Channel System For Sperm Selection In IVF Cycles In Patients With Low Sperm Concentration. KONURALP TIP DERGISI 2022. [DOI: 10.18521/ktd.1171576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Microfluidic channel system (MAC), a new generation method, gives the chance to select better quality spermatozoa with lower DNA fragmentation indices. This study evaluated the treatment results in patients who underwent ICSI-ET due to the MAC technique's male factors.
Methods: Sakarya University ART Center carried out this retrospective study. Patients with 35 male factor indications were included in our study. In these patients, swim-up (SU) was used in the first of two consecutive IVF cycles, and the MAC sperm preparation technique was used in the second. Our study compared fertilization, quality embryo counts, implantation after fresh embryo transfer, pregnancy rates, fifth-day embryo, and frozen embryo numbers.
Results: Fertilization rate was higher in the MAC group than in the SU group (P=0.009). The number of 3rd and 5th Day Grade 1 embryo in the MAC group was statistically higher than in the SU group (p=0.000 for both parameters). The number of quality embryos frozen on day 5 was higher in the MAC group than in the SU group (P=0.000).
Conclusions: It is thought that MAC application does not make a statistically significant contribution on implantation and pregnancy in IVF cycles performed due to the malefactor. However, it may positively affect fertilization rate and embryo quality. In addition, we think that it increases the number of embryos frozen at the end of the cycle, and for this reason, the MAC technique may provide positive benefits to IVF treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mehmet Sühha BOSTANCI
- SAKARYA ÜNİVERSİTESİ, TIP FAKÜLTESİ, CERRAHİ TIP BİLİMLERİ BÖLÜMÜ, KADIN HASTALIKLARI VE DOĞUM ANABİLİM DALI
| | - Osman KÖSE
- SAKARYA ÜNİVERSİTESİ, TIP FAKÜLTESİ, CERRAHİ TIP BİLİMLERİ BÖLÜMÜ, ÜROLOJİ ANABİLİM DALI
| | - Nermin AKDEMİR
- SAKARYA ÜNİVERSİTESİ, TIP FAKÜLTESİ, CERRAHİ TIP BİLİMLERİ BÖLÜMÜ, KADIN HASTALIKLARI VE DOĞUM ANABİLİM DALI
| | - Ahmet GÖKÇE
- SAKARYA ÜNİVERSİTESİ, TIP FAKÜLTESİ, CERRAHİ TIP BİLİMLERİ BÖLÜMÜ, KADIN HASTALIKLARI VE DOĞUM ANABİLİM DALI
| | - Serhan CEVRİOĞLU
- SAKARYA ÜNİVERSİTESİ, TIP FAKÜLTESİ, CERRAHİ TIP BİLİMLERİ BÖLÜMÜ, KADIN HASTALIKLARI VE DOĞUM ANABİLİM DALI
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12
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Ryu DY, Pang WK, Adegoke EO, Rahman MS, Park YJ, Pang MG. Abnormal histone replacement following BPA exposure affects spermatogenesis and fertility sequentially. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 170:107617. [PMID: 36347119 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical widely distributed in the environment. Its exposure has been linked to male infertility in animals and humans due to its ability to induce epigenetic modification. Despite extensive research confirming the impact of BPA on epigenetic regulation, fundamental concerns about how BPA causes epigenetic changes and the underlying mechanism of BPA on the male reproductive system remain unresolved. Therefore, we sought to investigate the effects of BPA on epigenetic regulation and the histone-to-protamine (PRM) transition, which is fundamental process for male fertility in testes and spermatozoa by exposing male mice to BPA for 6 weeks while giving the mice in the control group corn oil by oral gavage. Our results demonstrated that the mRNA levels of the histone family and PRMs were significantly altered by BPA exposure in testes and spermatozoa. Subsequently, core histone proteins, the PRM1/PRM2 ratio, directly linked to male fertility, and transition proteins were significantly reduced. Furthermore, we discovered that BPA significantly caused abnormal histone-to-protamine replacement during spermiogenesis by increased histone variants-related to histone-to-PRM transition. The levels of histone H3 modification in the testes and DNA methylation in spermatozoa were significantly increased. Consequently, sperm concentration/motility/hyperactivation, fertilization, and early embryonic development were adversely affected as a consequence of altered signaling proteins following BPA exposure. To our knowledge, this is the first study to indicate that BPA exposure influences the histone-to-PRM transition via altering epigenetic modification and eventually causing reduced male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do-Yeal Ryu
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Ki Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Elikanah Olusayo Adegoke
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Saidur Rahman
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Jin Park
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Geol Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea.
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Pallotti F, Barbonetti A, Rastrelli G, Santi D, Corona G, Lombardo F. The impact of male factors and their correct and early diagnosis in the infertile couple's pathway: 2021 perspectives. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:1807-1822. [PMID: 35349114 PMCID: PMC8961097 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01778-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The current clinical practice in reproductive medicine should pose the couple at the centre of the diagnostic-therapeutic management of infertility and requires intense collaboration between the andrologist, the gynaecologist and the embryologist. The andrologist, in particular, to adequately support the infertile couple, must undertake important biological, psychological, economical and ethical task. Thus, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted role of the andrologist in the study of male factor infertility. METHODS A comprehensive Medline, Embase and Cochrane search was performed including publications between 1969 and 2021. RESULTS Available evidence indicates that a careful medical history and physical examination, followed by semen analysis, always represent the basic starting points of the diagnostic work up in male partner of an infertile couple. Regarding treatment, gonadotropins are an effective treatment in case of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and FSH may be used in men with idiopathic infertility, while evidence supporting other hormonal and nonhormonal treatments is either limited or conflicting. In the future, pharmacogenomics of FSHR and FSHB as well as innovative compounds may be considered to develop new therapeutic strategies in the management of infertility. CONCLUSION To provide a high-level of care, the andrologist must face several critical diagnostical and therapeutical steps. Even though ART may be the final and decisive stage of this decisional network, neglecting to treat the male partner may ultimately increase the risks of negative outcome, as well as costs and psychological burden for the couple itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Pallotti
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - A Barbonetti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi Hospital-Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - D Santi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - G Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Azienda-Usl Bologna, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - F Lombardo
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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14
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Cargnelutti F, Di Nisio A, Pallotti F, Spaziani M, Tarsitano MG, Paoli D, Foresta C. Risk factors on testicular function in adolescents. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:1625-1639. [PMID: 35286610 PMCID: PMC9360118 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01769-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adolescence represents an important window for gonadal development. The aim of this review is to carry out a critical excursus of the most recent literature on endogenous and exogenous risk factors related to testicular function, focusing the research on adolescence period. METHODS A comprehensive literature search within PubMed was performed to provide a summary of currently available evidence regarding the impact on adolescence of varicocele, cryptorchidism, cancer, diabetes, lifestyle factors, endocrine disruptors, obesity and sexually transmitted diseases. We focused on human studies that evaluated a possible impact of these factors on puberty timing and their effects on andrological health. RESULTS Evidence collected seems to suggest that andrological health in adolescence may be impaired by several factors, as varicocele, cryptorchidism, and childhood cancer. Despite an early diagnosis and treatment, many adolescents might still have symptoms and sign of a testicular dysfunction in their adult life and at the current time it is not possible to predict which of them will experience andrological problems. Lifestyle factors might have a role in these discrepancies. Most studies point out towards a correlation between obesity, insulin resistance, alcohol, smoking, use of illegal drugs and testicular function in pubertal boys. Also, endocrine disruptors and sexually transmitted diseases might contribute to impair reproductive health, but more studies in adolescents are needed. CONCLUSION According to currently available evidence, there is an emerging global adverse trend of high-risk and unhealthy behaviors in male adolescents. A significant proportion of young men with unsuspected and undiagnosed andrological disorders engage in behaviors that could impair testicular development and function, with an increased risk for later male infertility and/or hypogonadism during the adult life. Therefore, adolescence should be considered a key time for intervention and prevention of later andrological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Cargnelutti
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - A Di Nisio
- Department of Medicine, Operative Unit of Andrology and Medicine of Human Reproduction, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - F Pallotti
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - M Spaziani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - M G Tarsitano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - D Paoli
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - C Foresta
- Department of Medicine, Operative Unit of Andrology and Medicine of Human Reproduction, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
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15
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Liang W, Zhu T, Tan N, Jing G, Xie L, Dang Y, Li Z. In missed abortion the decrease of IGF-1 down-regulates PI3K/AKT signaling pathway reducing the secretion of progesterone and β-hCG. Growth Horm IGF Res 2022; 65:101479. [PMID: 35752133 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2022.101479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore whether the reduction of IGF-1 in missed abortion down-regulates PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby causing trophoblast cell apoptosis and reducing the secretion of β-hCG and progesterone. DESIGN 12 pairs of serum and villous tissues were selected from missed abortion patients and normal early pregnant women who had terminated pregnancy by artificial abortion. The subjects in two groups had same age and gestational week. Wes Simple Western system and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression of IGF-1, IGF-1R, PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and apoptosis-related factors in villous tissues. Radioimmunoassay and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to detect β-hCG, progesterone and IGF-1 in serum. RESULTS The serum levels of β-hCG, progesterone and IGF-1 were decreased in missed abortion group than those in normal early pregnant women. In addition, compared with normal early pregnant women, the genes and proteins levels of IGF-1 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and anti-apoptosis related factors were significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggested that the reduction of IGF-1 in missed abortion patients could down-regulate the expression of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby increasing the apoptosis of trophoblast cells, leading to decreased secretion of β-hCG and progesterone, which may be one of the important mechanisms of missed abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weitao Liang
- Institute of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Tianyuan Zhu
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Na Tan
- Lanzhou Cihetang Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Guangzhuang Jing
- Institute of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Li'ao Xie
- Institute of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yuhui Dang
- Institute of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Zhilan Li
- Institute of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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16
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Ferlin A, Calogero AE, Krausz C, Lombardo F, Paoli D, Rago R, Scarica C, Simoni M, Foresta C, Rochira V, Sbardella E, Francavilla S, Corona G. Management of male factor infertility: position statement from the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS) : Endorsing Organization: Italian Society of Embryology, Reproduction, and Research (SIERR). J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:1085-1113. [PMID: 35075609 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01741-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Infertility affects 15-20% of couples and male factors are present in about half of the cases. For many aspects related to the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of male factor infertility, there is no general consensus, and the clinical approach is not uniform. METHODS In the present document by the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS), endorsed by the Italian Society of Embryology, Reproduction, and Research (SIERR), we propose evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of male factor infertility to improve patient and couple care. RESULTS Components of the initial evaluation should include at minimum medical history, physical examination, and semen analysis. Semen microbiological examination, endocrine assessment, and imaging are suggested in most men and recommended when specific risk factors for infertility exist or first-step analyses showed abnormalities. Full examination including genetic tests, testicular cytology/histology, or additional tests on sperm is clinically oriented and based on the results of previous investigations. For treatment purposes, the identification of the specific cause and the pathogenetic mechanism is advisable. At least, distinguishing pre-testicular, testicular, and post-testicular forms is essential. Treatment should be couple-oriented, including lifestyle modifications, etiologic therapies, empirical treatments, and ART on the basis of best evidence and with a gradual approach. CONCLUSION These Guidelines are based on two principal aspects: they are couple-oriented and place high value in assessing, preventing, and treating risk factors for infertility. These Guidelines also highlighted that male infertility and in particular testicular function might be a mirror of general health of a man.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ferlin
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35121, Padua, Italy.
| | - A E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - C Krausz
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - F Lombardo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - D Paoli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - R Rago
- Department of Gender, Parenting, Child and Adolescent Medicine, Physiopathology of Reproduction and Andrology Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - C Scarica
- European Hospital, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - M Simoni
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - C Foresta
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35121, Padua, Italy
| | - V Rochira
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - E Sbardella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - S Francavilla
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Andrology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - G Corona
- Medical Department, Endocrinology Unit, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Azienda Usl, Bologna, Italy
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Alahmar A, Singh R, Palani A. Sperm DNA fragmentation in reproductive medicine: A review. J Hum Reprod Sci 2022; 15:206-218. [PMID: 36341018 PMCID: PMC9635374 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_82_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 15% of the world's couples suffer from infertility during their reproductive period of which the male factor is responsible for 50% of cases. Male factor infertility is multifactorial in origin, and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has also been linked to male infertility including idiopathic male infertility. Some degree of controlled DNA nicking is essential for adequate DNA compaction, but excessive SDF is usually associated with reduced male fertility potential, reduced fertilisation, poor embryo quality, recurrent pregnancy loss and poor assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) outcomes. Although semen analysis remains the gold standard for diagnosis of male factor infertility worldwide, its limitations motivated the search and the development of complementary tests of sperm function and integrity. SDF assay is an emerging diagnostic tool in infertile men, and several indications for SDF testing in infertile couples have also been proposed. The use of SDF in routine male infertility assessment is, however, still controversial. Furthermore, both direct and indirect SDF tests are now available. Hence, the present review was conducted to summarise the recent evidence of SDF, underlying mechanisms, clinical indications, diagnostic tests, as well as the role of SDF in male factor infertility, pregnancy and ART outcomes.
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18
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Rios JS, Coward RM, Hansen KR, Barnhart KT, Cedars MI, Legro RS, Diamond MP, Krawetz SA, Usadi R, Baker VL, Sun F, Wild R, Smith JF, Santoro N, Zhang H, Steiner AZ. Sperm deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation: predictors, fertility outcomes, and assays among infertile males. F S Rep 2021; 2:282-288. [PMID: 34553152 PMCID: PMC8441563 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To examine the factors associated with increased deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation index (DFI), evaluate the pregnancy outcomes of men with increased DFI, and compare three independent DFI assays. Design Secondary analysis. Setting Nine US-based fertility centers. Patient(s) Infertile men (N = 147) with sperm concentration ≤15 × 106/mL, motility ≤40%, or normal morphology ≤4% were enrolled. The female partners were ovulatory, ≤40 years old, and had documented tubal patency. Intervention(s) At a baseline visit, the men provided a semen sample. The couples attempted conception without assistance for 3 months and with ovarian stimulation and intrauterine insemination in the subsequent 3 months. Main Outcome Measure(s) The DFI was analyzed using the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) with increased DFI defined as >30%. The predictors of increased DFI were determined by a multivariable linear regression model. The pregnancy outcomes were compared using the χ2 test. The independent DFI assays (SCSA, deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling, and Comet) were compared with Pearson and Spearman correlations. Result(s) The 19% of men with increased DFI were older (36.0 vs. 33.0 years) and had lower total sperm motility (38.2% ± 20.5% vs. 45.2% ± 15.6%). Increased male age was found to be a significant predictor of DFI (0.75, 95% confidence interval [0.06, 1.45]). Increased DFI was not associated with conception or live birth. There was a modest correlation of the deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay with the SCSA (r = 0.34) and Comet assay (r = 0.19). Conclusion(s) Older age was associated with increased DFI among infertile men. The DFI assays were only weakly correlated, indicating a standard definition of DFI is needed to truly interrogate how sperm deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation impacts male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie S Rios
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | - Karl R Hansen
- University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Kurt T Barnhart
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Marcelle I Cedars
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California
| | - Richard S Legro
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | | | | | - Fangbai Sun
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Robert Wild
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - James F Smith
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California
| | | | - Heping Zhang
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Anne Z Steiner
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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19
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Faja F, Pallotti F, Cargnelutti F, Senofonte G, Carlini T, Lenzi A, Lombardo F, Paoli D. Molecular Analysis of DPY19L2, PICK1 and SPATA16 in Italian Unrelated Globozoospermic Men. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11070641. [PMID: 34209343 PMCID: PMC8307282 DOI: 10.3390/life11070641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate genetic contribution and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in a cohort of 18 unrelated globozoospermic Italian men (Group G). Semen samples were assessed according to the WHO 2010 Laboratory Manual and compared with 31 fertile controls. We focused our genetic analysis on the exons of the main globozoospermia-associated genes, performing qualitative PCR to assess deletion of DPY19L2 and sequencing to detect mutations of SPATA16 and PICK1. SDF was evaluated using the TUNEL assay. In Group G, 10 patients had a complete form of globozoospermia, whereas 8 patients had a partial form. Molecular analysis revealed deletion of DPY19L2 in six of the patients, all of them with complete globozoospermia, while no mutations were found in the examined exons of PICK1 and SPATA16. TUNEL analysis showed a higher SDF% in Group G. Our findings confirm DPY19L2 defects as the most frequent genetic alteration in Italian patients contributing to globozoospermic phenotypes. Furthermore, spermatozoa with acrosomal defects could also display high levels of SDF as a possible consequence of abnormally remodeled chromatin. The possible effect on offspring of chromatin structure abnormalities and altered DNA integrity should be carefully evaluated by clinicians, especially regarding the feasibility and safety of artificial reproductive techniques, which represent the only treatment that allows these patients to conceive.
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Zhu XB, Chen Q, Fan WM, Niu ZH, Xu BF, Zhang AJ. Sperm DNA fragmentation in Chinese couples with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. Asian J Androl 2021; 22:296-301. [PMID: 31339112 PMCID: PMC7275799 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_60_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to study the association between sperm DNA fragmentation and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) in the Chinese population via a retrospective observational study of Chinese couples who had experienced RPL between May 2013 and August 2018. The study population included 461 men from couples with RPL and 411 men from a control group (couples with clinical pregnancy via in vitro fertilization owing to female causes). Routine semen analysis, sperm chromatin analysis, and microscopic (high-power) morphological analysis were performed using semen samples. Semen samples were assessed for volume, sperm count, and motility. The sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was calculated, and the median DFI was obtained. Men were categorized as having normal (37.8%; DFI ≤ 15.0%), moderate (33.6%; 15.0% < DFI < 30.0%), or severe (28.6%; DFI ≥ 30.0%) DNA fragmentation levels. The percentage of men with severe DNA fragmentation was significantly higher in the RPL (42.3%) group than that in the control group (13.1%), whereas the percentage of men with normal levels of DNA fragmentation was significantly lower in the RPL group (22.8%) than that in the control group (54.7%). Subsequent analysis also demonstrated that the sperm DNA fragmentation rate had a moderate reverse correlation with the sperm progressive motility rate (r = −0.47, P < 0.001) and the total motile sperm count (r = −0.31, P < 0.001). We found a positive correlation between RPL and sperm DNA fragmentation. The results suggest that increased sperm DNA damage is associated with RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Bin Zhu
- Reproductive Medical Center of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Wei-Min Fan
- Reproductive Medical Center of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Zhi-Hong Niu
- Reproductive Medical Center of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Bu-Fang Xu
- Reproductive Medical Center of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ai-Jun Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
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21
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Pennings G, Couture V, Ombelet W. Social sperm freezing. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:833-839. [PMID: 33501976 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased paternal age has been associated with lower fertility and higher genetic risk for the offspring. One way to prevent these consequences is to freeze sperm at a young age. Social sperm freezing could be developed in a way similar to social oocyte freezing. The main difference between freezing oocytes and sperm is that social sperm freezing is much less focussed on fertility preservation and much more on avoiding increased genetic risk. Contrary to what some people seem to believe, sperm freezing is more complicated than it looks at first sight. This article considers three practical aspects: freezing, storage and testing. It is concluded that the remedy (cryopreservation) may itself cause damage to the quality of the spermatozoon and to its genetic integrity, thus undoing the possible benefits in terms of fertility and health of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Pennings
- Department of Philosophy and Moral Science, Bioethics Institute Ghent (BIG), Ghent University, Ghent B-9000, Belgium
| | - Vincent Couture
- Faculty of Nursing, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.,Research Center of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC G1L 3L5, Canada
| | - Willem Ombelet
- Genk Institute for Fertility Technology, ZOL Hospitals, Genk B-3600, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt B-3500, Belgium
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22
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Esteves SC, Zini A, Coward RM, Evenson DP, Gosálvez J, Lewis SEM, Sharma R, Humaidan P. Sperm DNA fragmentation testing: Summary evidence and clinical practice recommendations. Andrologia 2021; 53:e13874. [PMID: 33108829 PMCID: PMC7988559 DOI: 10.1111/and.13874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We herein summarise the evidence concerning the impact of sperm DNA fragmentation in various clinical infertility scenarios and the advances on sperm DNA fragmentation tests. The collected evidence was used to formulate 41 recommendations. Of these, 13 recommendations concern technical aspects of sperm DNA fragmentation testing, including pre-analytical information, clinical thresholds and interpretation of results. The remaining 28 recommendations relate to indications for sperm DNA fragmentation testing and clinical management. Clinical scenarios like varicocele, unexplained infertility, idiopathic infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection, fertility counselling for men with infertility risk factors and sperm cryopreservation have been contemplated. The bulk evidence supporting the recommendations has increased in recent years, but it is still of moderate to low quality. This guideline provides clinicians with advice on best practices in sperm DNA fragmentation testing. Also, recommendations are provided on possible management strategies to overcome infertility related to sperm DNA fragmentation, based on the best available evidence. Lastly, we identified gaps in knowledge and opportunities for research and elaborated a list of recommendations to stimulate further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro C. Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction ClinicReferral Center for Male ReproductionCampinasSPBrazil
- Department of Surgery (Division of Urology)University of Campinas (UNICAMP)CampinasSPBrazil
- Faculty of HealthAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Armand Zini
- Division of UrologyDepartment of SurgerySt. Mary's HospitalMcGill UniversityMontrealQuébecCanada
| | - Robert Matthew Coward
- Department of UrologyUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNCUSA
- UNC FertilityRaleighNCUSA
| | - Donald P. Evenson
- SCSA DiagnosticsBrookingsSDUSA
- Sanford Medical SchoolUniversity of South DakotaSioux FallsSDUSA
| | - Jaime Gosálvez
- Unit of GeneticsDepartment of BiologyUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
| | | | - Rakesh Sharma
- American Center for Reproductive MedicineCleveland ClinicClevelandOHUSA
| | - Peter Humaidan
- Faculty of HealthAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
- Fertility Clinic SkiveSkive Regional HospitalSkiveDenmark
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23
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Dai Y, Liu J, Yuan E, Li Y, Shi Y, Zhang L. Relationship Among Traditional Semen Parameters, Sperm DNA Fragmentation, and Unexplained Recurrent Miscarriage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:802632. [PMID: 35058886 PMCID: PMC8764458 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.802632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies have explored the relationship among traditional semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), and unexplained recurrent miscarriage (RM); however, the findings remain controversial. Hence, we conducted a meta-analysis to explore the relationship among traditional semen parameters, SDF, and unexplained RM. Multiple databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), were searched to identify relevant publications. From the eligible publications, data were extracted independently by two researchers. A total of 280 publications were identified using the search strategy. According to the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 19 publications were eligible. A total of 1182 couples with unexplained RM and 1231 couples without RM were included in this meta-analysis to assess the relationship among traditional semen parameters, SDF, and unexplained RM. Our results showed that couples with unexplained RM had significantly increased levels of SDF and significantly decreased levels of total motility and progressive motility compared with couples without RM, although significant differences were not observed in the semen volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm count between couples with and without RM. The SDF assay may be considered for inclusion in evaluations of couples with unexplained RM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanpeng Dai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junjie Liu
- Henan Human Sperm Bank, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Enwu Yuan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yushan Li
- Henan Human Sperm Bank, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Linlin Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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24
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Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss is a distressing pregnancy disorder experienced by ~2.5% of women trying to conceive. Recurrent pregnancy loss is defined as the failure of two or more clinically recognized pregnancies before 20-24 weeks of gestation and includes embryonic and fetal losses. The diagnosis of an early pregnancy loss is relatively straightforward, although progress in predicting and preventing recurrent pregnancy loss has been hampered by a lack of standardized definitions, the uncertainties surrounding the pathogenesis and the highly variable clinical presentation. The prognosis for couples with recurrent pregnancy loss is generally good, although the likelihood of a successful pregnancy depends on maternal age and the number of previous losses. Recurrent pregnancy loss can be caused by chromosomal errors, anatomical uterine defects, autoimmune disorders and endometrial dysfunction. Available treatments target the putative risk factors of pregnancy loss, although the effectiveness of many medical interventions is controversial. Regardless of the underlying aetiology, couples require accurate information on their chances of having a baby and appropriate support should be offered to reduce the psychological burden associated with multiple miscarriages. Future research must investigate the pathogenesis of recurrent pregnancy loss and evaluate novel diagnostic tests and treatments in adequately powered clinical trials.
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25
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Agarwal A, Panner Selvam MK, Baskaran S, Finelli R, Leisegang K, Barbăroșie C, Pushparaj PN, Robert KA, Ambar R, Iovine C, Durairajanayagam D, Henkel R. A scientometric analysis of research publications on male infertility and assisted reproductive technology. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13842. [PMID: 33236365 DOI: 10.1111/and.13842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are considered as one of the primary management options to address severe male factor infertility. The purpose of this study was to identify the research trends in the field of male infertility and ART over the past 20 years (2000-2019) by analysing scientometric data (the number of publications per year, authors, author affiliations, journals, countries, type of documents, subject area and number of citations) retrieved using the Scopus database. We used VOS viewer software to generate a network map on international collaborations as well as a heat map of the top scientists in this field. Our results revealed a total of 2,148 publications during this period with Cleveland Clinic Foundation contributing the most (n = 69). The current scientometric analysis showed that the research trend on ART has been stable over the past two decades. Further in-depth analysis revealed that density gradient centrifugation (46%) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (59.2%) are the most reported techniques for sperm separation and ART, respectively. Additionally, azoospermia was the most studied clinical scenario (60.6%), with majority of articles reporting pregnancy rate (47.25%) as the primary reproductive outcome for ART. This study provides insight into the current focus of research in the area of male infertility and ART as well as the areas that require further research in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Saradha Baskaran
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kristian Leisegang
- School of Natural Medicine, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Cătălina Barbăroșie
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Kathy Amy Robert
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Rafael Ambar
- Department of Urology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Concetta Iovine
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | | | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.,Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
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26
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Agarwal A, Majzoub A, Baskaran S, Panner Selvam MK, Cho CL, Henkel R, Finelli R, Leisegang K, Sengupta P, Barbarosie C, Parekh N, Alves MG, Ko E, Arafa M, Tadros N, Ramasamy R, Kavoussi P, Ambar R, Kuchakulla M, Robert KA, Iovine C, Durairajanayagam D, Jindal S, Shah R. Sperm DNA Fragmentation: A New Guideline for Clinicians. World J Mens Health 2020; 38:412-471. [PMID: 32777871 PMCID: PMC7502318 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.200128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm DNA integrity is crucial for fertilization and development of healthy offspring. The spermatozoon undergoes extensive molecular remodeling of its nucleus during later phases of spermatogenesis, which imparts compaction and protects the genetic content. Testicular (defective maturation and abortive apoptosis) and post-testicular (oxidative stress) mechanisms are implicated in the etiology of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), which affects both natural and assisted reproduction. Several clinical and environmental factors are known to negatively impact sperm DNA integrity. An increasing number of reports emphasizes the direct relationship between sperm DNA damage and male infertility. Currently, several assays are available to assess sperm DNA damage, however, routine assessment of SDF in clinical practice is not recommended by professional organizations. This article provides an overview of SDF types, origin and comparative analysis of various SDF assays while primarily focusing on the clinical indications of SDF testing. Importantly, we report four clinical cases where SDF testing had played a significant role in improving fertility outcome. In light of these clinical case reports and recent scientific evidence, this review provides expert recommendations on SDF testing and examines the advantages and drawbacks of the clinical utility of SDF testing using Strength-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Ahmad Majzoub
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Saradha Baskaran
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Chak Lam Cho
- Department of Surgery, Union Hospital, Hong Kong
- S. H. Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kristian Leisegang
- School of Natural Medicine, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Pallav Sengupta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Malaysia
| | - Catalina Barbarosie
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Neel Parekh
- Department of Urology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology & Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Edmund Ko
- Department of Urology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Mohamed Arafa
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Andrology Department, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Nicholas Tadros
- Division of Urology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| | | | - Parviz Kavoussi
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Rafael Ambar
- Urology Department of Centro Universitario em Saude do ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | | | - Kathy Amy Robert
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Concetta Iovine
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | | | - Sunil Jindal
- Department of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Jindal Hospital, Meerut, India
| | - Rupin Shah
- Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
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27
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Haddock L, Gordon S, Lewis SEM, Larsen P, Shehata A, Shehata H. Sperm DNA fragmentation is a novel biomarker for early pregnancy loss. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 42:175-184. [PMID: 33082108 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Spontaneous pregnancy loss affects 10-15% of couples, with 1-2% suffering recurrent pregnancy loss and 50% of miscarriages remaining unexplained. Male genomic integrity is essential for healthy offspring, meaning sperm DNA quality may be important in maintaining a pregnancy. Does sperm DNA fragmentation measured by alkaline Comet assay act as a biomarker for early pregnancy loss? DESIGN Sperm DNA fragmentation was measured by alkaline Comet test in 76 fertile donors and 217 men whose partners had recently experienced miscarriage. Couples were divided into five groups for analysis: one miscarriage after spontaneous conception; two or more miscarriages after spontaneous conception; one miscarriage after fertility treatment; two or more miscarriages after fertility treatment and biochemical pregnancy. RESULTS Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis was used to determine ability of the average Comet score (ACS), low Comet score (LCS) and high Comet score (HCS) to diagnose miscarriage and develop clinical thresholds comparing men whose partners have miscarried with men with recently proven fertility. Male partners of women who had miscarried had higher sperm DNA damage (ACS 33.32 ± 0.57%) than fertile men (ACS 14.87 ± 0.66%; P < 0.001). Average Comet score, HCS and LCS all have promise as being highly predictive of sporadic and recurrent miscarriage using clinical thresholds from comparisons with fertile men's spermatozoa: receiver operating characteristic curve AUC for ACS ≥26%, 0.965; LCS ≤70%, 0.969; HCS ≥2%, 0.883; P <0.0001. CONCLUSIONS Sperm DNA damage measured by the alkaline Comet has promise as a robust biomarker for sporadic and recurrent miscarriage after spontaneous or assisted conception, and may provide novel diagnoses and guidance for future fertility pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley Haddock
- Examenlab Ltd, Unit 18A, Block K, Weavers Court Business Park, Linfield Road, Belfast BT12 5GH, UK.
| | - Stephen Gordon
- Urology at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Dorking Rd, Epsom KT18 7EG, UK
| | - Sheena E M Lewis
- Examenlab Ltd, Unit 18A, Block K, Weavers Court Business Park, Linfield Road, Belfast BT12 5GH, UK
| | - Peter Larsen
- Cryos International, Vesterbro Torv I, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Amjad Shehata
- Centre for Reproductive Immunology and Pregnancy, Bramshott House, 137/139 High Street, Epsom KT19 8EH, UK
| | - Hassan Shehata
- Centre for Reproductive Immunology and Pregnancy, Bramshott House, 137/139 High Street, Epsom KT19 8EH, UK; Maternal Medicine at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Dorking Road, Epsom KT18 7EG, UK
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28
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Dutta S, Henkel R, Agarwal A. Comparative analysis of tests used to assess sperm chromatin integrity and DNA fragmentation. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13718. [PMID: 32628294 DOI: 10.1111/and.13718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility has a complex etiology, and many times, the cause is unknown. While routine semen analysis provides an overview of basic semen parameters, such as sperm concentration, motility, viability and morphology, a significant overlap of these parameters has been reported in fertile and infertile men. Moreover, conventional semen parameters do not reveal the cellular or molecular mechanisms of sperm dysfunctions leading to infertility. Therefore, sperm functional parameters, including sperm chromatin integrity, are evaluated to provide information on subtle sperm defects that are not routinely identified. Incomplete or defective sperm chromatin condensation increases the susceptibility of the sperm DNA to oxidative damage or other factors. To evaluate sperm chromatin integrity, different methods with varying degrees of diagnostic and prognostic capabilities are available. Among these assays, SCSA, TUNEL and SCD assays are most commonly used. While these assays rather evaluate the DNA directly for damages, the aniline blue and chromomycin A3 stains test for the quality of chromatin condensation. Thus, this review discusses and compares different methods used to evaluate sperm chromatin integrity and condensation, and their inclusion in the routine evaluation of the male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulagna Dutta
- Department of Oral Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.,American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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29
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Pallotti F, Senofonte G, Pelloni M, Cargnelutti F, Carlini T, Radicioni AF, Rossi A, Lenzi A, Paoli D, Lombardo F. Androgenetic alopecia: effects of oral finasteride on hormone profile, reproduction and sexual function. Endocrine 2020; 68:688-694. [PMID: 32052367 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-020-02219-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) is a common non-cicatricial alopecia. AGA treatment with finasteride was reported to have sexological side effects and its induced hormonal alterations could damage spermatogenesis. Thus, in patients affected by AGA undergoing oral therapy with Finasteride 1 mg/die, we aimed to evaluate the presence of modification in sperm parameters, hormone profile and sexual function. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated 55 male subjects aged 18-45 years with AGA who underwent systemic therapy with Finasteride 1 mg/die. Each subject underwent semen and blood hormone analysis, IIEF15 questionnaire administration at baseline (T0) at 6 (T6) and 12 (T12) months after the beginning of therapy and 1 year after treatment discontinuation (TD). RESULTS At T6 we detected a statistically significant worsening of total sperm number (232.4 ± 160.3 vs. 133.2 ± 82.0; p = 0.01 vs. T0) and abnormal forms (79.8 ± 6.0 vs. 82.7 ± 5.7; p < 0.05 vs. T0). No difference was found for all sperm parameters at T12 and T24, except for the percentage of abnormal forms (79.8 ± 6.0 vs. 82.6 ± 4.8; p < 0.05 T24 vs. T0). Testosterone levels were increased at T0 vs. T6 (22.1 ± 7.1 vs. 28.0 ± 8.0 ng/mL; p < 0.05). No significant differences of IIEF15 questionnaire were detected across the study. CONCLUSIONS Finasteride is associated with significant seminological and testosterone alterations, but no sexual dysfunctions were reported during treatment of these andrologically healthy subjects. Although, sperm parameters seem to return comparable to baseline after treatment discontinuation, it is advisable to perform a careful andrological evaluation before treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pallotti
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Senofonte
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Pelloni
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Cargnelutti
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Tania Carlini
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio F Radicioni
- Hormone Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Alfredo Rossi
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Paoli
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesco Lombardo
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
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30
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Nazari A, Sabeti P, Pourmasumi S. Comparison between sperm parameters and chromatin in recurrent pregnancy loss couples after antioxidant therapy. J Family Med Prim Care 2020; 9:597-601. [PMID: 32318388 PMCID: PMC7113919 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1105_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims: Recurrent Pregnancy loss (RPL) is a heterogeneous disease. The role of maternal factor is clear but the relationship between the paternal factors remains uncertain. It has been shown that increase the level of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and decrease the antioxidant levels in men can lead to RPL. New researches show treatment with antioxidant can improved sperm parameter. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of vitamin E plus Zinc therapy on sperm parameters and chromatin quality in couples with RPL. Methods: In this clinical trial study, 60 RPL patients were selected from RPL clinic. Standard sperm parameters were analyzed and then male partners were intake vitamin E and Zinc in antioxidant therapy plan for 90 days. After that, sperm parameters were analyzed again. Sperm chromatin assay was reviewed before and after vitamin E and Zinc therapy by cytochemical assay including aniline blue (AB), chromomycin A3 (CMA3), toluidine blue (TB). To assess DNA fragmentation index, TUNEL test was used. Data were analyzed and compared before and after treatment. Results: data analysis showed all sperm parameters significantly improved after treatment (P < 0.001). The number of AB+ and TB+ sperms were decreased significantly after vitamin E and Zinc therapy (P = 0.0001). Decrease in DNA fragmentation in post treatment group in comparison to pre-treatment was statistically significant. Conclusion: Supplemental of vitamin E plus Zinc may improve sperm parameters chromatin quality and decrease sperm DNA fragmentation in RPL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Nazari
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.,Clinical Research Development Unit (CRDU), Moradi Hospital, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Parvin Sabeti
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Soheila Pourmasumi
- Clinical Research Development Unit (CRDU), Moradi Hospital, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.,Pistachio Safety Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
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31
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Mohanty G, Jena SR, Nayak J, Kar S, Samanta L. Quantitative proteomics decodes clusterin as a critical regulator of paternal factors responsible for impaired compensatory metabolic reprogramming in recurrent pregnancy loss. Andrologia 2019; 52:e13498. [PMID: 31833103 DOI: 10.1111/and.13498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a perplexing problem experienced with two or more consecutive miscarriages wherein the cause remains unexplained in >50% of cases. However, despite several evidences of involvement of paternal factors on early embryogenesis and placental development, its contribution towards RPL has been largely unexplored. There is augmented lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, thionylation and enhanced histone retention in spermatozoa of RPL patients. Differentially expressed proteins in the spermatozoa of RPL patients may contribute towards aberrant embryo development and pregnancy loss. The present study comprised of male partners of RPL patients (n = 16) with the absence of any female factor abnormality and age-matched fertile healthy donors (n = 20). Pooled sperm samples from each group were subjected to high-throughput liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS/MS) and subsequent bioinformatic analysis that identifies key proteins to be differentially expressed (DEPs). A total of 23 DEPs were identified with ≥2.0 fold change were considered to be significant. A key finding of the study was clusterin (CLUS), a predominant oxidative stress protein that takes part in an array of pre- and post-fertilisation molecular processes, found to be underexpressed as it was confirmed by Western blot analysis. This pilot study supports contributions of paternal oxidative predominance in RPL and encourages further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Mohanty
- Redox Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Center of Excellence in Environment and Public Health, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, India
| | - Soumya Ranjan Jena
- Redox Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Center of Excellence in Environment and Public Health, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, India
| | - Jasmine Nayak
- Redox Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Center of Excellence in Environment and Public Health, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, India
| | - Sujata Kar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kar Clinic and Hospital Pvt. Ltd, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Luna Samanta
- Redox Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Center of Excellence in Environment and Public Health, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, India
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32
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Pan D, Feng D, Ding H, Zheng X, Ma Z, Yang B, Xie M. Effects of bisphenol A exposure on DNA integrity and protamination of mouse spermatozoa. Andrology 2019; 8:486-496. [PMID: 31489793 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bisphenol A is widely used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and has caused increasing concern over its potential adverse impacts on spermatogenesis. However, the effect of bisphenol A on spermiogenesis is yet to be explored. OBJECTIVES To evaluate whether bisphenol A has adverse effects on DNA integrity and protamination of spermatogenic cell. MATERIALS AND METHODS Newborn male mice were subcutaneously injected with bisphenol A (0.1, 5 mg/kg body weight, n = 15) or coin oil (control group, n = 20) daily from post-natal day 1 until 35. At post-natal day 70, epididymis caudal spermatozoa and testes were collected. Sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology were analyzed. The sperm chromatin structure assay was performed to examine the sperm DNA fragmentation. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method was used to assess apoptosis of spermatogenic cells. The ultrastructural features of testicular sections were examined under a transmission electron microscope. Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the expression levels of transition protein (Tnp) 1 and Tnp2, protamine (Prm) 1 and Prm2 protein, and mRNA in mice testes. RESULTS Bisphenol A significantly reduced sperm counts, impaired sperm motility, and increased the percentage of malformed spermatozoa. Poor sperm chromatin integrity and increased TUNEL-positive spermatogenic cells were also observed in mice exposed to bisphenol A. Ultrastructural analysis of testes showed that bisphenol A exposure caused incomplete chromatin condensation, retention of residual cytoplasm, and abnormal acrosome formation. In addition, the relative expression levels of Tnp2 and Prm2 in mice testes decreased significantly in bisphenol A groups. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our findings identified that neonatal bisphenol A exposure may negatively contribute to the sperm quality in adult mice. Mechanistically, we showed that bisphenol A reduced sperm chromatin integrity along with increased DNA damage, which may be due to poor protamination of spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Pan
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - D Feng
- Department of Obstetrics, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - H Ding
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - X Zheng
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Z Ma
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - B Yang
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - M Xie
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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33
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Yalcinkaya Kalyan E, Can Celik S, Okan O, Akdeniz G, Karabulut S, Caliskan E. Does a microfluidic chip for sperm sorting have a positive add-on effect on laboratory and clinical outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles? A sibling oocyte study. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13403. [PMID: 31434165 DOI: 10.1111/and.13403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The most recent technologies for sperm sorting involve microfluidics. However, the most important question whether their use is of any advantage in terms of laboratory and clinical IVF/ICSI outcomes still remains controversy. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether a microfluidic sperm sorting device (Fertile Plus® ) has a positive add-on effect on laboratory and clinical outcomes. Sibling oocytes of 81 patients were assigned to two sperm sorting groups including swim up and Fertile Plus® . All embryos were cultured until day 5/6. Fertilisation, embryo quality and blastocyst development were assessed as primary outcomes among 81 patients; clinical pregnancy, implantation and live birth rates were analysed as secondary outcomes as a subgroup analysis due to transfer cancellations. No statistically significant differences were found between groups in terms of all outcomes analysed in laboratory and clinical terms (p > .05 for all). The results of this study suggest that sorting spermatozoa through Fertile chip does not improve laboratory outcomes significantly and does not seem to have a positive contribution to clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Seren Can Celik
- Okan University Hospital Assisted Reproduction Unit, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Okan
- Adatip Hospital Assisted Reproduction Unit, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Gulden Akdeniz
- Adatip Hospital Assisted Reproduction Unit, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Seda Karabulut
- International School of Medicine, Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Eray Caliskan
- Okan University Hospital Assisted Reproduction Unit, Istanbul, Turkey
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34
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Cao W, Pan X, Ye F, Zhou J, Huang Z, Li C, Zhang Y, Fang J, Jiang Y, Lian H, Fu Z, Du Y, Wang L. Association between semen quality among men with different occupational exposures and risk of recurrent spontaneous abortion in island residents. TRADITIONAL MEDICINE AND MODERN MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1142/s257590001950006x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the semen quality of male adults whose spouses suffer from recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) in the island area, and to explore the association between RSA and occupational exposures. Methods: A total of 131 male patients were recruited and divided into two groups: spouse with recurrent spontaneous abortion group (RSA group, [Formula: see text]) and the normal fertility group (control group, [Formula: see text]). Information such as height, weight and occupational exposure history of 131 men were obtained. Semen samples were collected and analyzed. Differences in semen parameters and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) between the two groups were compared. Odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated to evaluate the association between occupational exposures and RSA status. Results: Overall, no significant difference was found in sperm concentration, progressive motility and normal morphology rate between RSA and control groups. Only DFI was observed to be significantly higher in the RSA group. Evaluation of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed DFI (AUC: 0.623, [Formula: see text]) could discriminate between males from the couples with RSA and without RSA. Conclusion: The analysis of conventional semen parameters could not directly reflect their influence on embryonic development, and test of integrity of the sperm DNA is of paramount importance to fully understand male fertility. It is crucial to conduct studies regarding occupational exposures and pregnancy loss and/or RSA risk, since it will provide population-level data to aid in the identification of important risk factors that warrant further mechanistic investigation, and eventually lead to effective prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center of Zhoushan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Xinyao Pan
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, P. R. China
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive, Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Feijun Ye
- Reproductive Medicine Center of Zhoushan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, P. R. China
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive, Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Zengshu Huang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, P. R. China
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive, Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Chuyu Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, P. R. China
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive, Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yanpu Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center of Zhoushan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Jianwei Fang
- Reproductive Medicine Center of Zhoushan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center of Zhoushan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Hongyu Lian
- Reproductive Medicine Center of Zhoushan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Zhongxing Fu
- Ningguo Bio-Leader Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Anhui, P. R. China
| | - Yan Du
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, P. R. China
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Ling Wang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, P. R. China
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive, Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, P. R. China
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35
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Esteves SC, Roque M, Garrido N. Use of testicular sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection in men with high sperm DNA fragmentation: a SWOT analysis. Asian J Androl 2019; 20:1-8. [PMID: 28440264 PMCID: PMC5753543 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_7_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa retrieved from the testis of men with high levels of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in the neat semen tend to have better DNA quality. Given the negative impact of SDF on the outcomes of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), an increased interest has emerged about the use of testicular sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (Testi-ICSI). In this article, we used a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis to summarize the advantages and drawbacks of this intervention. The rationale of Testi-ICSI is bypass posttesticular DNA fragmentation caused by oxidative stress during sperm transit through the epididymis. Hence, oocyte fertilization by genomically intact testicular spermatozoa may be optimized, thus increasing the chances of creating a normal embryonic genome and the likelihood of achieving a live birth, as recently demonstrated in men with high SDF. However, there is still limited evidence as regards the clinical efficacy of Testi-ICSI, thus creating opportunities for further confirmatory clinical research as well as investigation of Testi-ICSI in clinical scenarios other than high SDF. Furthermore, Testi-ICSI can be compared to other laboratory preparation methods for deselecting sperm with damaged DNA. At present, the available literature supports the use of testicular sperm when performing ICSI in infertile couples whose male partners have posttesticular SDF. Due to inherent risks of sperm retrieval, Testi-ICSI should be offered when less invasive treatments for alleviating DNA damage have failed. A call for continuous monitoring is nonetheless required concerning the health of generated offspring and the potential complications of sperm retrieval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Referral Center for Male Reproduction, Av. Dr. Heitor Penteado 1464, Campinas, SP, 13075-460 Brazil
| | - Matheus Roque
- ORIGEN, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Nicolás Garrido
- Andrology Laboratory and Sperm Bank, IVI Foundation, Valencia, Spain
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36
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Liffner S, Pehrson I, García‐Calvo L, Nedstrand E, Zalavary S, Hammar M, Rodríguez‐Martínez H, Álvarez‐Rodríguez M. Diagnostics of DNA fragmentation in human spermatozoa: Are sperm chromatin structure analysis and sperm chromatin dispersion tests (SCD‐HaloSpermG2
®
) comparable? Andrologia 2019; 51:e13316. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Liffner
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Obstetrics and Gynaecology Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Isabelle Pehrson
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Obstetrics and Gynaecology Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Laura García‐Calvo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Obstetrics and Gynaecology Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Elizabeth Nedstrand
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Obstetrics and Gynaecology Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Stefan Zalavary
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Obstetrics and Gynaecology Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Mats Hammar
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Obstetrics and Gynaecology Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Heriberto Rodríguez‐Martínez
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Obstetrics and Gynaecology Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Manuel Álvarez‐Rodríguez
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Obstetrics and Gynaecology Linköping University Linköping Sweden
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37
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Faja F, Carlini T, Coltrinari G, Finocchi F, Nespoli M, Pallotti F, Lenzi A, Lombardo F, Paoli D. Human sperm motility: a molecular study of mitochondrial DNA, mitochondrial transcription factor A gene and DNA fragmentation. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 46:4113-4121. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-04861-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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38
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Mehta A, Esteves SC, Schlegel PN, Niederberger CI, Sigman M, Zini A, Brannigan RE. Use of testicular sperm in nonazoospermic males. Fertil Steril 2019; 109:981-987. [PMID: 29935657 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Mehta
- Department of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, Brazil; Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil; Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter N Schlegel
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Foundation and Cornell Reproductive Medicine Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | | | - Mark Sigman
- Department of Surgery (Urology), Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Armand Zini
- Department of Surgery (Urology), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robert E Brannigan
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
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39
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Comparison of DNA fragmentation levels in spermatozoa with different sex chromosome complements. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 38:56-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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40
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Tan J, Taskin O, Albert A, Bedaiwy MA. Association between sperm DNA fragmentation and idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 38:951-960. [PMID: 30979611 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Sperm DNA fragmentation (sDF) has emerged as a valuable tool for evaluating male fertility, yet the relationship between DNA fragmentation in the male gamete and idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) remains a topic of ongoing debate. Hence, a meta-analysis was conducted of 12 prospective and 2 retrospective studies involving 530 men with a history of RPL who underwent sDF testing compared with 639 fertile control participants. The main outcome measures were sDF measured by comet assay, TdT (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase)-mediated dUDP nick-end labelling (TUNEL), sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) or sperm chromatin structure assay. Overall, couples with a history of idiopathic RPL demonstrated higher levels of sDF than fertile couples (average mean difference 11.98, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis demonstrated a similar average mean difference between the RPL and control groups using SCD compared with TUNEL, while mean paternal age and mean sperm motility in the RPL groups tested by meta-regression demonstrated no significant effect on the mean differences in sDF (P > 0.10). These results support the diagnostic value of sDF over standard semen analysis, as well as a possible paternally derived genetic origin of unexplained RPL. Further prospective studies are required to further assess the predictive utility of sDF for assessing couples with unexplained RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia and the Children's and Women's Hospital and Health Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Omur Taskin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia and the Children's and Women's Hospital and Health Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Arianne Albert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia and the Children's and Women's Hospital and Health Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mohamed A Bedaiwy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia and the Children's and Women's Hospital and Health Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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41
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Ilacqua A, Izzo G, Emerenziani GP, Baldari C, Aversa A. Lifestyle and fertility: the influence of stress and quality of life on male fertility. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:115. [PMID: 30474562 PMCID: PMC6260894 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0436-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility is a widespread condition among couples. In about 50% of cases, couple infertility is attributable to the male partner, mainly due to a failure in spermatogenesis. In recent times, the crucial role that modifiable lifestyle factors play in the development of infertility have generated a growing interest in this field of study, i.e. aging, psychological stress, nutrition, physical activity, caffeine, high scrotal temperature, hot water, mobile telephone use. Several studies have investigated associations between semen quality and the presence of lifestyle stressors i.e. occupational, life events (war, earthquake, etc.) or couple infertility; overall, these studies provide evidence that semen quality is impaired by psychological stress. In this review, we will discuss the impact of quality of life (modifiable lifestyle factors) and psychological stress on male fertility. In addition, the role that increased scrotal temperature along with inappropriate nutritional and physical exercise attitudes exert on male fertility will be presented. CONCLUSION The decline of male fertility, particularly associated with advancing age, incorrect lifestyles and environmental factors plays an important role on natality, and its consequences on the future on human population makes this an important public health issue in this century. Thus, modification of lifestyle through a structured program of educational, environmental, nutritional/physical exercise and psychological support, combined with the use of nutraceutical antioxidants can prevent infertility and therefore, may help couples to obtain better quality of life and improved possibility to conceive spontaneously or optimize their chances of conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Ilacqua
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Section of Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Izzo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Gian Pietro Emerenziani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Aversa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
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42
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Homer HA. Modern management of recurrent miscarriage. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2018; 59:36-44. [DOI: 10.1111/ajo.12920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hayden Anthony Homer
- Christopher Chen Oocyte Biology Research Laboratory, UQ Centre for Clinical Research; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Queensland Australia
- Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Clinic; Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital; Brisbane Queensland Australia
- Queensland Fertility Group and Eve Health; Brisbane Queensland Australia
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43
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Lusignan MF, Li X, Herrero B, Delbes G, Chan PTK. Effects of different cryopreservation methods on DNA integrity and sperm chromatin quality in men. Andrology 2018; 6:829-835. [PMID: 30175448 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryopreserved human sperm are used in assisted reproductive technology. However, the effect of cryopreservation on sperm DNA integrity is unclear. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to: (i) determine the impact of semen cryopreservation on human sperm DNA integrity and chromatin structure; (ii) test if parameters obtained from TUNEL and SCSA® correlate; and (iii) verify correlation between sperm motility, morphology and viability with TUNEL and SCSA® parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS Men attending a fertility clinic were recruited and grouped according to their sperm parameters (n = 9/group): normozoospermia, oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and teratozoospermia. Each semen sample was processed as follow: (i) directly frozen at -80 °C; (ii) diluted in Sperm Maintenance Medium, cooled for 30 min at 4 °C and frozen at -80 °C; (iii) diluted in Sperm Maintenance Medium; or (iv) in SpermFreeze. Each mixture from method (iii) and (iv) was then suspended for 30 min in liquid nitrogen vapor and plunged into liquid nitrogen. After at least two months of storage, samples were thawed at room temperature and analyzed for motility and viability, TUNEL and SCSA® assays. RESULTS Progressive motility and viability decreased after freeze-thawing. TUNEL scores increased significantly in all samples after freezing-thawing while no significant change in the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) from SCSA® was observed. No change in the percentage high DNA stainability (HDS) was observed in normozoospermic samples; however it was significantly increased in all the methods in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic and in the methods (ii)-(iv) in teratozoospermic samples. The DFI and TUNEL scores correlated significantly with each other and inversely with sperm motility, viability and morphology. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Cryopreservation seems to be deleterious for the integrity of human sperm DNA and compaction. However, the sperm DFI was not affected during cryopreservation under the various methods of storage tested. Clinicians and investigators should take this information into consideration when using cryopreserved sperm for assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Lusignan
- Department of Urology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - X Li
- Department of Urology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - B Herrero
- MUHC Reproductive Centre, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - G Delbes
- INRS - Institut Armand Frappier, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - P T K Chan
- Department of Urology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,MUHC Reproductive Centre, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
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44
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Barbonetti A, Calogero AE, Balercia G, Garolla A, Krausz C, La Vignera S, Lombardo F, Jannini EA, Maggi M, Lenzi A, Foresta C, Ferlin A. The use of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) for the treatment of the infertile man: position statement from the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS). J Endocrinol Invest 2018; 41:1107-1122. [PMID: 29392544 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-018-0843-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Barbonetti
- Casa di Cura San Raffaele Sulmona, Sulmona, AQ, Italy
| | - A E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - G Balercia
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Umberto I Hospital, Ancona, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - A Garolla
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - C Krausz
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - S La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - F Lombardo
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - E A Jannini
- Department of Systems Medicine, Chair of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - A Lenzi
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - C Foresta
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - A Ferlin
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
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Sperm DNA fragmentation index as a promising predictive tool for male infertility diagnosis and treatment management – meta-analyses. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 37:315-326. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Paoli D, Pallotti F, Lenzi A, Lombardo F. Fatherhood and Sperm DNA Damage in Testicular Cancer Patients. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:506. [PMID: 30271379 PMCID: PMC6146098 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular cancer (TC) is one of the most treatable of all malignancies and the management of the quality of life of these patients is increasingly important, especially with regard to their sexuality and fertility. Survivors must overcome anxiety and fears about reduced fertility and possible pregnancy-related risks as well as health effects in offspring. There is thus a growing awareness of the need for reproductive counseling of cancer survivors. Studies found a high level of sperm DNA damage in TC patients in comparison with healthy, fertile controls, but no significant difference between these patients and infertile patients. Sperm DNA alterations due to cancer treatment persist from 2 to 5 years after the end of the treatment and may be influenced by both the type of therapy and the stage of the disease. Population studies reported a slightly reduced overall fertility of TC survivors and a more frequent use of ART than the general population, with a success rate of around 50%. Paternity after a diagnosis of cancer is an important issue and reproductive potential is becoming a major quality of life factor. Sperm chromatin instability associated with genome instability is the most important reproductive side effect related to the malignancy or its treatment. Studies investigating the magnitude of this damage could have a considerable translational importance in the management of cancer patients, as they could identify the time needed for the germ cell line to repair nuclear damage and thus produce gametes with a reduced risk for the offspring.
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Gupta S, Sharma R, Agarwal A. Inter-and Intra-Laboratory Standardization of TUNEL Assay for Assessment of Sperm DNA Fragmentation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 74:16.11.1-16.11.22. [PMID: 29117433 DOI: 10.1002/cptx.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The functional aspects of sperm activity such as sperm chromatin integrity and ability to fertilize cannot be characterized by routine semen parameters. Men with unexplained infertility and idiopathic infertility, as well as men with normozoospermic semen profiles, show high DNA fragmentation. Molecular anomalies in the sperm can be detected by a sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) assay which can be used in adjunct to conventional semen analysis. While the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) remains the "gold standard," the TUNEL assay using flow cytometry is becoming popular among the different tests that are currently available to measure sperm DNA fragmentation. In this unit, we describe the inter-laboratory and intra-laboratory standardization of the TUNEL assay using a benchtop cytometer. The article also provides a step-by-step protocol for measuring sperm DNA fragmentation using the TUNEL assay and a bench-top flow cytometer, and also points out the inherent challenges with this test. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajal Gupta
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Rakesh Sharma
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
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48
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Benagiano G, Paoli D, Lombardo F, Brosens JJ, Brosens IA. DNA fragmentation and the ultimate success of a pregnancy. Transl Androl Urol 2017; 6:S539-S543. [PMID: 29082175 PMCID: PMC5643643 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2017.03.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Donatella Paoli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Lombardo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Jan J Brosens
- Leuven Institute for Fertility and Embryology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ivo A Brosens
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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49
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Amiri-Yekta A, Arnoult C, Ray PF. Measure of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF): how, why and when? Transl Androl Urol 2017; 6:S588-S589. [PMID: 29082183 PMCID: PMC5643730 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2017.03.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Amiri-Yekta
- Genetic Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,CHU Grenoble Alpes, UF de DPI et génétique de l'infertilité, Grenoble, France.,Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Genetic Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Genetic Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,CHU Grenoble Alpes, UF de DPI et génétique de l'infertilité, Grenoble, France
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50
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Cho CL, Agarwal A, Majzoub A, Esteves SC. One of the many missing links between infertility and sperm DNA fragmentation. Transl Androl Urol 2017; 6:S707-S709. [PMID: 29082969 PMCID: PMC5643694 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2017.06.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chak-Lam Cho
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ahmad Majzoub
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Referral Center for Male Reproduction, Campinas, SP, Brazil
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